Raheem Sterling Liverpool transfer claim will raise eyebrows, but it makes sense for FSG
Its been a while since Raheem Sterling has been linked with a return to Liverpool.During those early weeks of the summer transfer window, Sterling was tentatively linked with an unlikely return to the club he left six years ago.However, with Liverpools restricted transfer budget, combined with Sterling having another two years on his contract, any deal was next to impossible for FSG to complete.Sterlings contract is now winding down, with the 26-year-olds current deal expiring in June 2023. Next summer represents the last chance for Man City to make back a chunk of the £50m they spent to take him to the Etihad in the summer of 2015.The English international has endured a mixed 2021: hes played a pivotal role for Gareth Southgates England, but has become somewhat marginalised under Pep Guardiola at City.He was dropped for the run-in last season as they reached their first Champions League final, and has only started two games from six this season. This has fuelled the fire that Sterling is unhappy at the reigning Premier League champions, and could seek an exit at the end of the campaign.Read MoreRelated ArticlesRead MoreRelated ArticlesFormer Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Sterlings old club should waste little time in attempting to bring the winger back to Anfield. There must be clubs sitting there going boy, let me see how this situation pans out because I would take Sterling all day, Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. If Im Liverpool, Id buy Sterling tomorrow.Would a Sterling return make sense, both for the player and the club?In terms of Liverpool and FSG, Sterlings return would absolutely make sense. He would return a much better player than the 20-year-old who left six years ago. Working under Guardiola has moulded Sterling into a much more complete footballer.Moreover, a transfer to bring Sterling back would add substantial competition to the attacking trio next season. Only Diogo Jota has been successful in offering genuine competition to Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané over the last half-decade.Read MoreRelated ArticlesRead MoreRelated ArticlesSterling could supplant Mané from the starting XI should he return, with the Senegalese international now close to 30 and in a similar contractual position. Furthermore, Manés finishing has been criticised by some in recent weeks, with the forward being accused of wasting too many chances.Sterlings presence could bring a fresh impetus to Jürgen Klopps attacking line-up.But is it a good move for Sterling?Sterlings main issue at present is the lack of certified playing time at City, an issue that he would also face at Liverpool.There would be no guarantees that he would become an automatic starter in Klopps side. But given the sheer array of attacking talent at Guardiolas disposal, its not without logic to think that his game time would increase should he make a return to Liverpool.Read MoreRelated ArticlesRead MoreRelated ArticlesSterling never burned any bridges with Liverpool upon his departure or at the very least, did not torch them entirely. He has generally spoken highly about the club, and most fans would welcome his return.Sterlings development as a player improved immeasurably under Guardiola, but elements of his game could also be refined under Klopps watch. It would only benefit the player should a return happen.Should Sterling seek a move away from City this summer, Liverpool arguably represents the best option for him within the top four in the Premier League. Its unlikely that his playing time would increase at Chelsea or Man United, given their attacking talent.Therefore a move makes sense for both parties, as Ferdinand states.Whether it happens or not is a different issue.Read MoreRelated ArticlesRead MoreRelated Articles
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